News

Actions

'Pump creep' caught on camera at Phoenix gas station

Posted at 9:25 PM, Feb 08, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-09 10:59:04-05

It might be a good idea to keep a close eye on the gas pump the next time you fill up.

A phenomenon known as "pump creep" has been reported at a gas station near 44th Street and Thomas Road.

Pump creep occurs when the pump is off, but the meter continues to charge for gasoline it isn't dispensing.

Daniel Marble said it happened to him while he was filling up her car last week.  

"Usually it clicks off, I heard a click off, and I looked out and I kept hearing a tick from the gas pump," Marble said. 

Marble looked and the meter was continuing to charge him. He took out his phone and caught the whole thing on camera. 

"Honestly I was kind of upset, I wanted to go in there and kind of yell at the guys," Marble said.

The meter shut off after Marble returned the nozzle to the pump. Marble said he was overcharged by approximately 50 cents.

"You know if there are so many people that use that same gas pump every day, and if they don't notice then, well it's happening to them as well," Marble said. 

He admits he didn't tell managers on duty because the store had a temporary "closed" sign on the door.

The Arizona Department of Weights and Measures said the problem pump was reported by another customer and it was quickly taken out of service.

Some sort of calibration issue was to blame.          

Authorities said this is a reminder to watch pumps closely and report any problems to the gas station right away. They also explained that pump creeping happens from time to time and it's managed by a rigorous inspection schedule by state regulators.

Pump #7 at the ARCO AMPM on Thomas Road near 44th Street has since returned to service.